FIFA President Infantino’s belated arrival at the global governing body’s annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours.
European football officials staged a walkout at FIFA’s Congress in Paraguay after President Gianni Infantino arrived over two hours late, having attended meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with former US President Donald Trump. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and other delegates left in protest, calling the delay “deeply regrettable” and accusing Infantino of prioritizing “private political interests” over football.
In a sharp statement, UEFA condemned the last-minute schedule change, stressing that the Congress—a key gathering of 211 football nations—should not be disrupted for personal agendas. Norwegian FA chief Lise Klaveness called the incident “disappointing and concerning,” reflecting broader frustration among European federations.
Infantino apologized, citing flight issues but defended his Gulf visits as necessary for FIFA’s interests. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström avoided further comment, calling the Congress “great” despite the uproar. The controversy comes as the US prepares to host major FIFA tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup.
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